Apparatus for jointly or severally operating master cylinders



June 12, 1951 v A N, M|LSTER 2,556,288

APPARATUS FOR JOINTLY 0R .SEVERALLY y OPERATING MASTER CYLINDERS 2 sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 24, 1947 ATTORNEY.

June 12, 1951 A. N. MlLs'rlz-:R

^ APPARATUS FOR JOINTLY 0R SEVERALLY OPERATING MASTER CYLINDERS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 24, 1947 INVENTOR.

THUR N. MILSTER ATTO EY.

Patented June 12, 1951 iJNl'lED STATES APPARATUS FOR JOINTLY 0R SEVERALLY OPERATING MASTER `CYLNDERS Arthur N. Milster, St. Louis, Mo., assignor to Wagner Electric Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Application January 24, 1947, Serial No. '724,055

(Ci. Btl-54:5)

10 Claims.

This invention relates to an improvement for actuating a plurality of pressure fluid devices and in its more specic aspects is directed to means for selectively, severally or jointly, operating aircraft wing aps or other devices.

The object of this invention is to produce a mechanism wherein twoor more master cylinders are suitably arranged to enable an operator to selectively, severally or jointly, operate the pressure iluid motors connected to the master cylinders.

In the drawings Figure 1 is an elevational View of two master cylinders connected for joint or several operation;

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the construction illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view of a modied master cylinder arrangement;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the power cylinder of Figure 3 applied to a machine tool part; and

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional View of another modication form of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, numeral I designates a suitable supporting means for two master cylinder assemblies 2 and 3 associated with a conveyance, as for example, an airplane.

at the closed end of cylinder 4 which may be similar in construction and operation to that shown and described in United States Patent No. 2,349,415, issued May 23, 1944. The master cylinder assembly is provided with the usual reservoir tween the interior of cylinder Q and reservoir 3. The assembly 2 has a boss II secured thereto and a bolt I2 extending through the boss fastens the assembly 2 to support I. A piston rod I3 arranged in one end of piston 5 extends outwardly and has a head I4 formed thereon. A suitable flexible protecting boot I5 is provided to prevent the ingress of foreign matter into cylinder it.

Each of the master cylinder assemblies is of identical construction.

An actuating handle it is pivoted to support I by means of a pin I'i for the purpose of selectively actuating either of pistons 5 depending upon the direction of rotation of handle i6.

f4.0 3 and ports S and IIJ provide communication be- The closed end of each of the cylinders is provided with a port I8 to which a conduit I9 is connected. Each of these conduits is connected to motors 2G and 2l, respectively, each of which comprises a cylinder 22 provided with a piston 23 having a rod 2li and a packing cup 25. The piston rods 2li are connected to the flap 21 (shown schematically) of an airplane part, such as a wing 23, by means of a suitable connection which comprises a rod 29 and a pivoted bell-crank 3U. A spring 26 is connected to the bell-crank Si! to return piston 23 to the original position after pressure is relieved therein.

The master cylinder assembly 3 is pivotally mounted on support I by means of a parallel link construction comprising link members 3l, 3| which are pivoted at one end to support I by pins 32. The other ends of link members 3l, 3| are pivoted by means of pins 33 to suitable brackets integral with the master cylinder assembly 3.

The left hand end of master cylinder assembly 3 has a suitable member 3d threaded into it. A lever 35 pivoted to frame l by means of pivot pin 3l has a projection 35 thereon which is received in a slot formed in member 3ft to thereby permit a lost motion action between the master cylinder assembly 3 and lever 35 when required. The necessary relative motion between the two master cylinder assemblies 2, 3 is provided by piston rods E3, i3 when severally actuated by lever Iii or when jointly actuated by lever 35.

An adjustable stop and thrust member 38 is arranged in the left hand end of support I for engagement with lever 35 to limit the return movement of the lever and consequently the master cylinder assembly 3.

A suitable xture 39 is secured to support I which is interposed in conduit I9 and thereby enables that portion of the conduit between cylinder i and the fixture to be flexible in order to allow flexing movement therein upon the actuation of master cylinder assembly 3.

Referring now to the operation of the device just described, it is assumed that the system is lled with a suitable fluid and that the master cylinders are in inoperative position and that it is desired to actuate motor 2l. To do this, lever I6 is grasped by the operator and moved clockwise, thereby moving piston 5 of master cylinder assembly 2 past the compensating port It and compressing the fluid in the cylinder ahead of packing cup 5. This uid now under compression is forced past the valve assembly 'la into conduit I9 and into motor 2l to actuate same. There will be no actuation whatever of piston 5 in master cylinder assembly 3. Upon release of lever` i8, springs i and will return piston 5 to the position illustrated in Figure 2.

Assuming that it is desired to actuate motor 25, the operator will grasp lever i5 and move it counter-clockwise thereby moving piston 5 1n the master cylinder assembly 3 past compensating port l il and compressing the fluid in the portion of the cylinder ahead of the packing cup 6 forcing it past valve la into conduit i9 and into motor 2li to actuate same. Stop 3B functions as a thrust member when assembly 3 is operated. ?arallel s Eil, Si permit the relative movement of cylinder 3 with respect to frame i. When lever iii is released, springs l and 2S associated with piston 5 and motor 2Q, respectively, will return the master cylinder to the position shown in Figure 2.

Assuming that it is desired to actuate both master cylinder assemblies 2 and 3, the operator will grasp lever 35, rotating it clockwise, as viewed in 2, causing pistons 5, 5 to Enove relative to cylinders l, Il by reason of the piston rods i3 which are operatively associated through lever le. It is apparent that both pistons 5, 5, will move packing cups 6 past the compensating ports lil, le compressing the fluid in the system and simultaneously actuating both motors il@ and 2i.

From the foregoing it is evident that flaps 2, 27 on each of the wings 2B, 28 may be selectively, severally or jointly, actuated to assist in the take-ofi or stopping of an airplane.

The modified construction illustrated in Figure 3 shows a dual master cylinder construction which comprises a casing le having a cylinder li formed on one side'thereo provided with two co-aXial bores e2 and fit, each oi which is o the same size and each of which is equipped with a piston fifi provided with a packing cup l5 and a spring- A suitable valve All, which may be similar in construction to that in the above identified patent, is arranged at the closed end of each of the cylinder bores fi?. and 13. A reservoir i8 common to both cylinders is provided and communication established between the reservoir and cylinder bores by means of the compensating ports 69 and 5E).

Piston rod 5i for piston ill in cylinder bore Il@ is pivoted to a suitable anchor 5?. by means of a pin 53 and a protective boot te is provided between rod 5i and the casing lo to prevent the ingress of foreign matter into the cylinder bore @3. The piston lil in cylinder bore d2 is provided with an extension constituting the piston rod 55 which is suitably pivoted to an actuating pedal preferably by means of a pin 57 which extends through a member 5i secured to rod 55. The actuating pedal is pivoted to a pin 53 and an adjustable stop and thrust receiving member is adapted to Vngage the brake pedal 5e in the manner indicated. A flexible boot Se is connected between casing Lio and member 6l to prevent the ingress or foreign matter into cylinder bore lit.

The closed ends of cylinder bores e2 and 43 are provided with ports GZ- and 63 to which one end or conduits @il and E55, each provided with valves Se and respectively, are connected by means of suitable .fixtures '56 and el. The other ends of conduits @Il and 5 are connected to the opposite sides or a dual acting motor S9 so that pressure may be applied to both sides of the piston therein oi the t pe commonly employed vfor hydraulic actuation or" farm equipment. .The motor is connected to an implement 68 through a pivoted bell-crank lll. The action of the iiuid on the piston is used to regulate the vertical location of the implement and subsequently with equal uid pressure applied on each side oi the piston maintains a deinitely preselected location. Valves Gli' and t5 may be closed to lock the implement d in adjusted position.

A lever 'li pivoted on pin 12 has a pin 'E3 thereon operating in a slot i5 formed in casing i3 to permit a lost motion action between lever 'il and the master cylinder casing ed. The adjustable stop 59, anchorage 52, and pins 58 and l2 are suitably secured to portions of the frame of the vehicle with which the device is assoelated.

Referring now to the operation of the disclosure in Figure 3, assume that the system is iilled with a suitable fluid and that it is desired to move the implement 68 upward with respect to the ground level. The operator will move lever il to the right and thus force pressure fluid from co-aXial cylinder bore 43 past valve assembly fil into conduit 65 and thus force the piston in motor 69 to the leit. As the piston moves to the left it raises the implement 62 by means of a suitable bell-crank mechanism 10. When the proper relationship between implement 58 and the ground level has been attained the operator then closes valve 65 to entrap liuid in the motor and exerts a force on pedal El? which acts on both co-axial bores l2 and 123 and pistons @il but causes pressure fluid to exert a force on the other side of the piston in motor B9, thus firmly and denitely locating the implement with respect to the ground level. Lever 'H when moved to the left applies pressure to the left side ci the piston in motor 69 when reverse movement of implement 68 is required. Valve 5d is now closed to loclc the implement in adjusted position.

ln the event that it is desired to move the iinplement downward or increase the distance between it and the ground level, then the operator moves lever 'H to the left, causing pressure fluid to act upon the left side of the piston in motor E59 and forcing implement E8 downward by means of bell-crank assembly it, thereafter closing valve 64 to entrap fluid in the motor and then actuating lever ll to the right or pedal 56 to apply pressure to the other side of the piston in motor 89. Implement 58 is locked in thelowered position by closing valve 55'. Springs d5 return pistons 4G to their initial position.

Figure 4 shows the dual motor G9 of Figure 3 applied to a member Sil of a machine tool, e. g., the cross-slide of a lathe. The usual tool 69" is mounted on the slide. Motor 69 (Fig. 4) is connected to the master cylinder assembly of Figure 3 in the same manner as motor 69 in said iigure. The depth of cut to be taken by tool EQ or its in and out movement is regulateeL in the same manner as the movement of implement S8 is controlled.

The disclosure in Figure 5 comprises two master cylinder assemblies 'l5 and TS, each of which includes a cylinder il and a piston 18. Each oi the pistons is provided with a packing cup 19 and each cylinder has a valve assembly 86 therein which may be similar in construction to that disclosed in the above identied patent. Each of the cylinders has a return spring 8l arranged therein. Each oi the cylinders is provided with a reservoir 82 and communication between the reservoir and each of the cylinders is established by means of compensating ports 83 and 84.

Piston 'I8 associated with assembly 'l5 is provided with a piston rod 85 which is pivotally supported on an anchorage 86 by means of a pin 8l'. A suitable ilexible boot 88 is placed about the open end of cylinder '|'l and rod 85 to prevent the ingress of foreign matter into the cylinder. Piston 18 of master cylinder assembly 16 is provided with an extension 89 which constitutes a piston rod and to which a member 98 is secured. A suitable flexible boot 9| is arranged about the open end of cylinder H and is associated with member 9E to prevent the ingress of foreign matter into piston 18 of master cylinder assembly 16.

The master cylinder assemblies 'H5 and 'It are, in effect, separate and distinct constructions and are joined together by a plurality of bolts or other securing means 92 which eXtend through a fixture 98 for the purpose of locking the two assemblies together.

An operating handle $4 is pivoted to a ,frame 95 of the vehicle with which the master cylinder assembly is associated by means of a pin 96. A pin 9i is associated with handle 94 and is received in an aperture 88 formed in nxture 93, the aperture being elongated to provide a lost motion connection between pin 97 and xture 93. Another handle 99 is pivoted to frame 95 by means of a pin |88 and is also pivoted to member S by means of a pin lill. An adjustable stop and thrust receiving member |02 is secured to a suitable portion of the vehicle and is engageable with handle 99 in order to limit the return movement of the handle and to take up the thrust imposed on cylinder 'l1 of assembly 'lts when piston 'iS therein is actuated.

Each of the cylinders il is ported at |03 and |04 and has suitable fixtures arranged therein to which conduits |85 and |65 are connected. These conduits terminate in brake operating motors |87 and |88 for the purpose or' actuating the brake assemblies |89 and H0, e. g., for the right and left hand drive Wheels of a tractor, the latter constructions being well known in the art. The two motors can be employed to actuate other devices than those illustrated.

Referring now to the operation of the Figure 5 device, it is assumed that the system is filled with a suitable uid and that brake motor |88 is to be operated. Handle 24 is rotated in a clockwise direction, causing piston 'F8 to move relatively to cylinder l? and pressure will be applied to the uid in the cylinder after the packing cup 'i9 passes compensating port 83 to force iluid past valve 80 through conduit |96 to opcrate the brake motor |98. It is now desired to actuate the brake motor |01 and handle S4 is rotated counter-clockwise which action will move piston 'i8 in assembly 16 relatively to cylinder 'l1 causing packing cup 19 to pass the compensating port 83 and force fluid past valve 88 into conduit |65 and thence to brake motor |01 to actuate same. Assuming that it is desired to actuate both motors |01 and |08, handle 99 is rotated in a clockwise direction, thereby relatively moving both pistons 18, I8 in cylinders 17|, 11 and ultimately operating motors |01 and |88 simultaneously. The pivoted connection 8i' enables the joined master cylinder assemblies l5 and l5 to pivot about pin 8l when the piston-cylinder devices are actuated.

Return movement of pistons 13, after release of handles 94 and 99, to the positions indicated 6 in Figure 5 is accomplishedV by the returnv springs in brake assemblies |09 and Htl and the springs 8|, 8| in 'each of the cylinders l'l.

Having fully described my invention, that which I claim as novel and desire to protect by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A mechanism comprising a plurality of pressure producing devices, each of which consists of a cylinder having a piston therein movable relative to said cylinder; means for supporting said devices so that the longitudinal axes of said cylinders are in substantial alignment; operating means for selectively severally actuating said devices; and other operating means mounted on one end of said aligned devices for jointly actuating said devices to thereby produce a substantially equal pressure in each device.

2. A mechanism comprising a pair of cylinders; a piston in each of said cylinders and movable relative thereto to produce a pressure fluid in each; means for supporting said cylinders so that the longitudinal axes thereof are in alignment; an operating member to selectively severally actuate said piston-cylinder mechanisms; and another operating member mounted on one end of said aligned cylinders for jointly actuating said piston-cylinder mechanisms to thereby develop a substantially equal pressure in the pressure iluid produced in each mechanism.

3. A mechanism comprising a pair of pressure huid producing devices, each consisting of a cylinder having a piston therein; a iluid motor connected to each device; means for rigidly supporting one of said devices; means for pivotally supporting the other of said devices so that the longitudinal axis of each cylinder is in substantial alignment; an operating member for selectively severally relatively moving the piston and cylinder of each device for actuating the motor connected thereto; and another operating member for jointly relatively moving the piston and cylinder of each device to thereby produce a substantially equal pressure in each device for applying a substantially equal pressure to each motor and for jointly actuating the fluid motors.

4. A mechanism comprising a pair of pressure fluid producing devices, each consisting of a cylinder having a piston therein; a fluid motor connected to each device; means for rigidly connecting the cylinders of each device so that their longitudinal axes are in substantial alignment; means for pivotally supporting said connected cylinders; an operating member for selectively severally relatively moving the piston and cylinder of each device for actuating the iluid motor connected thereto; and another operating member for jointly relatively moving the piston and cylinder of each device to thereby produce a substantially equal pressure in each device for applying a substantially equal pressure to each motor and for jointly actuating the fluid motors.

5. A mechanism comprising a pair of pressure fluid producing devices, each consisting of a cylinder having a piston therein; a fluid moto-r connected to each device; a head common to each cylinder for rigidly connecting the cylinders of each device so that their longitudinal axes are in substantial alignment; means for pivotally supporting said connected cylinders; a fluid reservoir common to each piston and cylinder device; an operating member for selectively severally relatively moving the piston and cylinder of each device for actuating the motor connected thereto; and another operating member 7 for jointly relatively moving the piston and cylinder o-each device to thereby Vproduce a substantially equal pressure in each device for applying a substantially equal pressure to each motor and for jointly actuating the iluid motors.

6. A mechanism comprising a pair of pressure fluid producing devices; a dual motor having a piston therein and adapted to have pressure uid applied to both sides thereof; means for connecting one end of said motor with each of said devices; an operating means for selectively severally actuating each of said devices for actuating said motor in one direction; and another operating means for jointly actuating both devices to thereby produce a substantially equal pressure in each device for applying a substantially equal pressure to both sides of said piston for locking said piston against motion.

7. A mechanism comprising a pair of pressure fluid producing devices; a dual motor having a piston therein and adapted to have pressure iiuid applied to both sides thereof; means for connecting one end of said motor with each of said devices; an operating means for selectively severally actuating each of said devices for actuating said piston in one direction; another operating means for jointly actuating both devices to thereby produce a substantially equal pressure in each device for applying a substantially equal pressure to both sides of said piston for locking said piston against motion; and valve means for maintaining said piston in locked position.

8. A mechanism comprising a pair of pressure iluid devices, each consisting of a cylinder having a piston therein; a dual motor which comprises a piston and a cylinder, said piston forming two fluid chambers in the cylinder; means for establishing communication between one of said motor chambers and one of said devices; means for establishing communication between the other of said devices and the other motor chamber; means for selectively severally relatively moving the piston and cylinder in each pressure producing device for actuating said motor piston in one direction; and another means for jointly relatively moving the piston and cylinder of said pressure producing devices to thereby produce a substantially equal pressure in said pair of devices for applying a substantially equal pressure on both sides of said motor piston for locking it in position.

9. A mechanism comprising a pair of pressure fluid producing devices, each consisting of a cylinder having a piston therein and in which the cylinders are rigidly connected; means for pivotally supporting said rigidly connected cylinders; `a dual motor which comprises a cylinder having a piston therein for forming two iiuid chambers therein; means for establishing communication between one of said motor charnbers and one of said devices; means for establishing communication between the other of said devices and the other motor chamber; means for selectively severally relatively moving the piston and cylinder in each pressure producing device for actuating said motor piston in one direction; and another means for jointly relatively moving the piston and cylinder in said pair of pressure producing devices to thereby produce a substantially equal pressure in both devices for applying a substantially equal pressure on both sides of said motor piston for locking it in position.

10. A mechanism comprising a pair of pressure fluid producing devices, each consisting of a cylinder' having a piston therein; means for rigidly connecting said cylinders so that the longitudinal axis of one cylinder is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the other cylinder; a dual motor which comprises a cylinder having a piston therein for forming two fluid chambers in the motor cylinder; means for establishing communication between one of said motor chambers and one of said devices; means ior establishing communication between the other of said devices and the other motor chamber; means for selectively severally relatively moving said piston and cylinder in each pressure producing device for actuating said motor piston in one direction; and another means for jointly relatively moving the piston and cylinder or said pair of pressure producing devices to thereby produce a substantially equal pressure in both devices for applying a substantially equal pressure on both sides of said motor piston for locking it in position.

ARTHUR N. MILSTER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,087,509 Gardner July 20, 1937 2,339,049 Brown Jan. 11, 1944 2,391,913 Masteller Jan. 1, 1946 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 596,558 France Aug. 11, 1925 383,462 Great Britain Nov. 17, 1932 

